Shipping to Norway: What e-commerce businesses must know

Shipping to Norway offers a promising opportunity for e-commerce companies, thanks to the country's strong economy, high consumer purchasing power, and technologically adept population. With a thriving online shopping culture and a significant demand for international products, tapping into the Norwegian market can yield substantial returns for businesses looking to expand their reach.

However, shipping to Norway comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in customs clearance. As Norway is not part of the European Union member states, navigating customs procedures can pose a significant challenge for e-commerce businesses. Understanding and efficiently managing these customs processes is essential to ensure smooth and timely delivery to Norwegian customers.

Capitalizing on Norway's wealth: Opportunities in a high-purchasing market

Norway presents a lucrative landscape for e-commerce, with a population of approximately 5.3 million and a remarkable GDP per capita of around €69,900. The e-commerce market in Norway has been experiencing significant growth. In 2024, the online market was estimated to generate approximately €12 billion in revenue. Projections indicate that by 2027, this figure will surpass €14 billion. Notably, fashion dominates the online shopping scene, followed closely by toys, hobbies, and DIY products, reflecting the diverse interests of Norwegian consumers. One of the defining characteristics of this market is its high purchasing power, coupled with a strong online shopping culture. Shoppers in Norway show a clear preference for mailbox deliveries or carrier's mailbox services, emphasizing the importance of convenient delivery options. Furthermore, they favor flexible delivery times, transparent delivery costs, and an easy returns process, all of which enhance the shopping experience. An interesting trend is the dominance of mobile devices in online shopping, with over half of e-commerce transactions made via mobile platforms. This highlights the need for retailers targeting the Norwegian market to prioritize mobile user experience, ensuring their websites and services cater to this mobile-friendly consumer base.

Set yourself up for success

When shipping goods to Norway, it is essential to comply with key customs regulations. These regulations include providing detailed information about the shipment, such as its value, origin, and contents. The country of origin of the goods is also crucial, as it determines the applicable customs duties and taxes. Additionally, it is important to consider any restrictions or prohibitions on certain goods when shipping to Norway. Familiarizing yourself with these key regulations will help ensure a smooth customs clearance process and prevent any delays or penalties.

Customs and regulatory environment when shipping to Norway

When shipping goods to Norway, it's crucial for e-commerce businesses to understand the country's customs and regulatory environment to ensure smooth transactions and customer satisfaction. Below are key considerations:

• Duties/Taxes: VAT (25%), import duties depend on product category.

• VOEC system: VOEC (VAT On E-Commerce) is a simplified VAT scheme by Norwegian customs for foreign sellers to register, declare, and pay VAT on B2C supplies of low-value goods under NOK 3,000. This scheme allows sellers to collect VAT at the point of sale, avoiding customs duties and streamlining the import process for cross-border e-commerce transactions.

• High-value goods: For shipments exceeding NOK 3,000, customs duties, VAT, and additional customs fees will apply, and the recipient will be responsible for these costs​.

• Country of origin rules: Goods coming from outside the EEA (European Economic Area) are subject to customs duties. However, if goods are manufactured within the EEA and accompanied by a certificate of origin, they can qualify for duty-free importation​.

• Mandatory EORI number: Companies importing to Norway must register for an EORI number to comply with customs procedures​.

• Returns management: Like many other European countries, consolidating return shipments to minimize administrative burdens and costs is a best practice for managing returns.

How important is accurate documentation and compliance with local regulations? 

Prevents delays
Ensuring accurate and complete documentation speeds up customs clearance, avoiding unnecessary delays that could impact customer satisfaction and delivery times.

Avoids penalties
Accurate compliance with local regulations helps businesses steer clear of hefty fines and penalties, safeguarding both profits and reputation.

Protects market access
Serious compliance violations, such as involvement in fraud, can lead to shipping restrictions in certain markets, putting your business at risk of losing access to key regions entirely. Staying compliant is crucial for long-term success.

Expert advice

“We provide an end-to-end customs solution, simplifying the complex clearance processes for shipments to Switzerland, the UK, and Norway. From seamless parcel management and one contractual partner for customs clearance and shipping, to transparent tracking, local returns handling, and low integration efforts, we support shippers every step of the way. Our expert consultants ensure compliance with local regulations, helping to reduce administrative burden and expedite cross-border shipments. With our comprehensive approach, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the logistics of customs clearance efficiently and reliably.”

— Julian Meichsner, Senior Manager Business Development at Seven Senders 

Conclusion

Shipping to Norway involves a thorough understanding of the regulations and proper preparation. E-commerce businesses must follow key customs procedures to ensure smooth shipping processes. Consider seeking assistance from a partner with expertise like Seven Senders for guidance on navigating Norwegian customs and maximizing efficiency in your shipments.

Endnotes:

1. https://www.statista.com/forecasts/1389927/norway-e-commerce-revenue